A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Messina vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Families, and Food

Should you visit Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Messina and Mont-Saint-Michel can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Messina

Messina is a bustling, local, and historic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a iconic, religious, and historic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Messina and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Messina. Although Messina and Mont-Saint-Michel are popular destinations, Messina has more sights and attractions for tourists. Messina is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Messina and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Messina different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel and Messina. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Mont-Saint-Michel that are not to be missed. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

Is the Food Better in Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Messina and Mont-Saint-Michel.

Messina offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Mont-Saint-Michel has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Messina is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Messina know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Beaches?

Messina is a port city with a few options for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Messina is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mont-Saint-Michel. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Messina is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Messina offers some nice shopping areas. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Messina is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Messina is a very kid-friendly port city. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is renowned for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Mont-Saint-Michel are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Messina is a good port city to visit for backpackers. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

Plenty of backpackers visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Messina is very good for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Messina is popular with students. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Is Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Messina and Mont-Saint-Michel.

You'll find some public transit in Messina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

While Mont-Saint-Michel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Messina and Mont-Saint-Michel both are superb when exploring on foot.

Messina is very walkable. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable port city. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Messina Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Messina?

How long in Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Messina than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Messina, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

Families should spend more time in Messina than Mont-Saint-Michel. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Messina, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel than Messina. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mont-Saint-Michel that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Messina than Mont-Saint-Michel if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Messina.

One day in Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Messina, there's plenty to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

In Mont-Saint-Michel, you'll find food and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the historic port city of Messina, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

In Mont-Saint-Michel, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mont-Saint-Michel has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling destination of Messina. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Messina is a popular choice for travelers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Messina and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel is more expensive. And not only is Messina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Messina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Messina and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Mont-Saint-Michel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mont-Saint-Michel than you might in Messina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Messina Expensive? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 3150 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Mont-Saint-Michel, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Messina in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Messina is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Messina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Mont-Saint-Michel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Messina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Messina is generally much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Messina often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Mont-Saint-Michel. The winter months attract visitors to Messina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

Messina is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Messina usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Messina as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Messina is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Messina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the spring, Messina often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Messina